Kings executive Ron Hextall returns to Flyers

Kings vice president Ron Hextall is heading back to the Philadelphia Flyers organization.

Kings vice president Ron Hextall is heading back to the Philadelphia Flyers organization. (Los Angeles Times)

Staff and wire reports

Ron Hextall, the legendary Philadelphia Flyers goaltender who has been the Kings' vice president/assistant general manager for seven years, is returning to Philadelphia as the team's assistant GM/director of hockey operations.

Although the move might appear to be lateral, there is speculation that Hextall, 49, could ultimately replace Flyers GM Paul Holmgren.

Under Kings GM Dean Lombardi, Hextall was highly thought of as an executive, serving as a liaison to the club's top minor league team, the Manchester (N.H.) Monarchs.

The Kings announced they have retained defenseman Alec Martinez, agreeing on a two-year contract with the player, who turns 26 this month, and avoiding arbitration.

—Lance Pugmire

ETC.

Real Madrid is most valuable

Real Madrid tops Forbes' list of the 50 most valuable sports teams, with Manchester United and Barcelona holding the next two spots.

Forbes says Real Madrid is worth $3.3 billion. The Spanish power moved up a spot from No. 2 last year.

New York Knicks guard J.R. Smithhas had patella tendon surgery and arthro-scopy on his left knee that probably will keep him from joining the Knicks when they open training camp in late September.

The team said Smith will need 12-16 weeks to recover from the operation performed Monday by Dr. Answorth Allen at the Hospital for Special Surgery.

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The Atlanta Hawks signed two-time All-Star Elton Brand, picking up a player who can bolster their depth in the frontcourt and provide veteran leadership.

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Texas A&M quarterback Johnny Manzielpleaded guilty to a misdemeanor stemming from a 2012 bar fight near campus, closing a case that had dogged him during his Heisman Trophy-winning season.

Manziel admitted he failed to identify himself to police following the altercation. As part of a plea deal, other charges against the 20-year-old, including disorderly conduct, were dismissed.

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The Denver Broncos came down hard on their two executives facing drunk driving charges, suspending them without pay and making it clear they must straighten out their lives if they want to work in the NFL again.

Director of player personnel Matt Russell was suspended indefinitely, and director of pro personnel Tom Heckert was suspended for a month.